Aquapac's staff, and dogs, outside their office

An outdoor gear company with just a dozen employees has gained a royal accolade for its international trade.

Lambeth-based Aquapac International has been awarded the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade – scoring a hat-trick of royal accolades.

The company, which makes waterproof cases for gear and electronic gadgets, has previously been awarded the Queen’s Award for Exports and the Queen’s Award for Enterprise: Innovation.

The firm’s 12 employees turn out more than 200,000 items each year from its small London factory and 93 per cent of its products are 100 per cent UK manufactured, a statistic Aquapac said it is proud of.

Tim Turnbull, chief executive, said: “We are delighted and honoured that our continuous dedication to producing quality innovative British products for the international market has been recognized by HM the Queen.

“Once the brainchild of three young windsurfers back in 1983 we have demonstrated over and over again that we are a leading and trusted global brand.”

The company was founded by the sailboarding enthusiasts 29 years ago when they decided they needed a waterproof case to keep their personal stereos dry while taking part in their sport.

Today, the firm makes cases for items as diverse as cameras, iPads, maps, phones, keys and insulin pumps.

Norman Wick of Sony Central and Southeast Europe added: “We enjoyed working with Aquapac on a successful business partnership in summer 2011.

“They pushed the boat out to get a large order made during their busiest months. We congratulate Aquapac and we are delighted to have played a part in their winning of this prestigious award.”